ROCKFORD ICON TO DROP FIRST PUCK ON FRIDAY

Rockford, Ill. – A celebrity guest will be in attendance at the BMO Harris Bank Center on Friday as the Rockford IceHogs take on the Peoria Rivermen at 7:05 p.m.

The celebrity is one of Rockford’s very own, legendary guitarist of the rock band Cheap Trick, Rick Nielsen. Nielsen will be on hand for “Rick’s Picks Night” and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop to start the game.

Also in the plans for Friday, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a “Hog Nation” glow in the dark t-shirt compliments of Toyota.

In honor of the Rick’s Picks exhibit at the Burpee Museum in downtown Rockford, the first 100 fans to the game will also get a Rick’s Pick guitar pick. Plus, all fans in attendance can receive a coupon to visit the Rick's Picks exhibit by stopping at the Rick's Picks table on the main concourse at the game. The exhibit showcases Neilsen’s journey and thousands of rock memorabilia and is open through April 2013.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling (815) 968-5222, visiting IceHogs.com or stopping at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office or any other Ticketmaster outlet.